Theories Point

Architecture is the unavoidable art. It is an art form we inhabit. When considering this art form, there are some things to keep in mind. We learned that practice and theory are both fundamental. We can not do one without the other. In practice, according to Vitruvius, a well built structure must have three things; commodity, firmness and delight.
Vernacular is an important theme that takes into consideration the land where a structure is built. It also takes into account the culture of those who will live near or in the building or home.We can learn a lot by looking at the past. We can gain cross-cultural insights, expression of values, and learn from past successes andfailures. We can also look to the people to learn about social needs, resources, organization and techniques available just to name a few.
Looking back to various early style, most cultures had a vernacular consistent with materials readily available, spiritual believes (symbolism) and what their needs were. Some Europeans used bones and leather, South Americans used clay and Eskimos used ice and snow. Some design motifs had spiritual connections.

An architecture of happiness is a mix between function (necessity), strength, and vernacular. By combining technique, materials, culture and a respect for environment, living in harmony with surroundings (natural and cultural) can be achieved. To me when I walk into a building or home, if i can move around it easily and it has good human scale it flows. On the other hand if I'm awed by it's beauty in the first ten seconds and there is no substance it's a huge disappointment. I remember seeing doors in a church that didn't work, and it was like huh? I was thrown off and left wondering what else didn't work. Just as de Bottom talks about, things eventually fall apart. If they are well made and materials are sustainable and easy to find locally, it cuts down on cost and I think anyone would feel good about protecting the environment locally. In the face of global warming and peak oil, we can learn a lot from our prehistoric ancestors by choosing readily available materials, and less harmful manufacturing and building practices. That brings me to the subject of space. I was driving down the street one day and I became aware of all the SUV's on the road. The first thing to catch my attention was an SUV with 'urban' in the name. A vehicle built for off road was marketed for the smooth pavement of cities. Even though SUV's are not architecture, it was a good example of our want for so much extra space.
With all that said architecture is an art form. It can be considered living art. Aside from making architecture for the environment, it has to be made for the people using as well. Ornament is conducive to making us feel at home or comfortable in our work and school environments. Roth talks about the use of ornament, color and lighting. The right lighting, and color can set the mood in a home or business. Ornament allows us to personalize our homes and brand our businesses.